Switching Attention Within Working Memory is Reflected in the P3a Component of the Human Event-Related Brain Potential

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
Stefan Berti

Abstract

The flexible access to information in working memory is crucial for adaptive behavior. It is assumed that this is realized by switching the focus of attention within working memory. Switching of attention is mirrored in the P3a component of the human event-related brain potential (ERP) and it has been argued that the processes reflected by the P3a are also relevant for selecting information within working memory. The aim of the present study was to further evaluate whether the P3a mirrors genuine switching of attention within working memory by applying an object switching task: Participants updated a memory list of four digits either by replacing one item with another digit or by processing the stored digit. ERPs were computed separately for two types of trials: (1) trials in which an object was repeated and (2) trials in which a switch to a new object was required in order to perform the task. Object-switch trials showed increased response times compared with repetition trials in both task conditions. In addition, switching costs were increased in the processing compared with the replacement condition. Pronounced P3a's were obtained in switching trials but there were no difference between the two updating tasks (replacement or...Continue Reading

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Citations

Dec 19, 2016·International Journal of Psychophysiology : Official Journal of the International Organization of Psychophysiology·Laura SokkaMinna Huotilainen
Aug 17, 2019·The European Journal of Neuroscience·Kristina G BaumgartBasil Wahn
Feb 2, 2021·Frontiers in Psychology·Gabrielle C Veloso, Welison Evenston G Ty

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